Visuals for Christmas

Stars

The mobiles were designed by Jim Vander Molen. Individual stars were made from cut
cardboard, spray painted gold, with the help of children in the congregation. They are hung from the Communion tree by fish line. The stars remain hanging throughout the Christmas and Epiphany seasons.

 

 

Natal Star
Linoleum block print by
Elizabeth Steele Halstead, © 2002
(from forthcoming Rings, Kings, and Butterflies!,
Augsburg Fortress, 2006)

The symbol of the star depicts guidance, light, and Christ himself
(I am the bright morning star - Rev. 22:16)

A sample of the star shapes used through art’s history:

Natal Star (4-point)
· In the shape of cross, looking forward to Christ’s crucifixion

Bethlehem Star (5-point)
· Most often used during Epiphany
· In the shape of a body, with head, hands and feet 

Star of David (6-point)
· Formed by joining two triangles, the 6 points represent the attributes of God or the six days of creation
· Known as the modern symbol of Judaism

7-pointed Star
· Represents the 7 gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Isaiah 11:2

 

 

Celebration
by Jim Fissel

This painting and other prints by Jim with the same theme, can be viewed and purchased for church use at Eyekons, an artist based website offering work crafted through a unique vision of faith and belief.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve
by Henri Matisse

· Search for historical or contemporary art that can be used with permission or trigger a new design idea
· Visit sites such as The Text This Week or artist’s sites such as David Hetland

Star of Wonder
by David J. Hetland

 

 

Advent Banners—Christ Our Light Has Come
Grace United Church, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

L to R: the Returning Christ, the Angel Gabriel, The Christ Child, Mary, John the Baptist

Order the banners were installed:

1. the Returning Christ (scripture studied by small group teams for preparation and was also the sermon passage: Luke 21:25-37)
2. John the Baptist (group studied Luke 3:1-20, banner focuses on Luke 3:4)
3. the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:5-39)
4. Mary (Luke 1:26-56, with focus on 1:38)
5. The Christ Child (Luke 2:10-11, middle banner installed Christmas Eve for a completed set during the Christmas season)